Wooden shutters are ideal if you want to ensure your privacy and enhance security for your home but still allow light and air into the room. They are also stylish enough to satisfy even the most dedicated follower of interior design.
If you live at street level, have a pavement that is right outside your window, or just don’t like your neighbours and passers-by seeing into your room, then you can use the louvres on the shutter doors to ensure that no one can see in but still have light in your room. By angling louvres up or down you control how much of your property is on view to prying eyes.
My tip is that for upstairs windows you should angle blades down into the room so that those looking up will only see the bottom of the blade. In downstairs windows slant them up, so that only the top of the Louvre becomes visible to passers-by. You could also use the top opening option to protect your privacy but allow you to be able to see out or allow light in. This is a great combination if you have a view you don’t want to interrupt, but is best on windows that are taller than they are wide.
When the louvres are closed wooden shutters form a solid barrier, which should help to deter thieves as it makes it difficult to assess the property or to see or hear whether there is anyone at home. Solid shutters have the same effect, and it is possible to add a shutter bar or lock across the shuttered windows at night if you would like to increase security.
Pet security can also be an issue, as with curtains they can easily slip in and out undeterred. I’ve had several customers who have used shutters to keep pets in or next doors friendly moggy out! As the louvres are adjustable you still retain the ability to alter light and air without risking your pets getting in or out unless you want them to.
I’m always interested in your views, so if you know of any additional security or privacy issues you would like to address or just want to comment why not send me a comment on my blog or email me through my website. I use Britannia Security to supply security shutters, while I supply the wooden shutters I’ve mentioned above.